Bordjalou Kazak Rug
Estimated Age: last quarter 19th century
Size: 6ft. 6in. by 5ft. (2.03 x 1.53m.)
Source: Rippon Boswell (auction)
Sold for $8,750 on December 7, 2010, exceeding its estimate of $6,000-8,000
Antique Rug Description
This rug exhibits a classic Bordjalou composition. Bordjalou (Borçalı) is the historic name of the Azerbaijani region of southern Georgia. Its name became linked to a specific design family of Qazax rugs.
The distinguishing element of Bordjalou rugs are alternating, hooked-triangle shapes. The contrasting interlocking hooks give dimension to the rug, inviting the viewer to decide if the white-hooked streak lays behind the colored halves or floats above them. The zig-zag rhythm makes it appear dynamic and full of energy.
The center field of Bordjalou rugs can vary widely, from containing a single, solid color, to rows of small geometrics shapes, to the hooked hexagons exhibited in this piece. The minor border with striped triangles is typical of Bordjalou rugs and compliments the general angular composition of the rug.